When Should I Get Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children see an orthodontist for an evaluation by age seven. As the jaw is developing and we lose baby teeth, it is important to ensure enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt correctly. Early evaluation to monitor skeletal growth could mean less invasive treatment in your teen and adult years. At All Smiles, we offer a 7 & Up program complementary to you!

Am I Too Old for Braces?

No! Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial at any age. This is because orthodontics not only corrects your smile but enhances your bite and breathing.

How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?

Treatment time varies by patient. Depending on the simplicity or severity of the case, treatment can be anywhere from months to a couple of years. By listening to your doctor and following instructions, you can ensure that you complete treatment by or BEFORE your projected completion date!

Are Braces Expensive?

We believe in making treatment affordable for everyone. Orthodontic treatment should not be based on cost alone, so we do everything we can to work with your budget. We maximize your insurance benefits so that you can get the best rate possible, including options such as in-house financing and third-party financing.

How Do I Brush With Braces?

While brushing and flossing can be tricky with braces, you will become a pro in no time! All it takes is practice. We also have tools in place to help you brush and floss in the tricky places. It is important to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums when in treatment to avoid decay and decalcification. We want your smile to be perfect when you finish treatment – its a team effort!

Do Braces Hurt?

The straightforward answer is no – But this does depend on patient sensitivity. Braces should never hurt; however, there may be moments of discomfort. This is 100% normal and will go away quickly!

Keep in mind that your lips, gums, and cheeks may be sore for the first few days while you adapt to having braces. As they are adjusted over time, you may notice an “ache” for the first few days. Note that these aches will subside and you only have to worry about adjustments every month or so.

Can I Wear Braces If I Play Sports?

Yes! Our team heavily believes in extracurriculars and sports. Orthodontic treatment should never interfere with having fun or getting exercise. If you are a member of a sports team or fear that physical activity may require extra protection, please let us know. We will create a custom mouth guard for you, an essential tool for protecting your teeth during and after treatment!

What Are the Foods to Avoid With Braces?

Fortunately, the list of foods you should avoid isn’t too long. However, it is important that you avoid these foods to prevent damaging your braces. Certain foods can be easily trapped in the brackets or wires, which could result in poor oral hygiene or losing the bracket itself. The list of foods to avoid include:

• Chewy foods such as gummies, beef jerky or bagels.
• Crunchy foods like carrots, popcorn or chips.
• Sticky foods such as caramel candy or marshmallows.
• Very hard foods like pizza crust or hard candy.
• Foods that require biting into such as apples or corn on the cob. (Don’t worry – you can still eat these by slicing the foods for smaller, easier bites)

What Are Elastics? What if I Run Out?

When you hear the doctor talk about elastics, they are referring to tiny rubber bands. These rubber bands apply pressure to the teeth in a way that braces can not. Elastics can be taken in and out and the doctor will instruct you on how to use them. If you run out, don’t worry! Stop by one of our offices and we will be happy to give you more! It is important that you do not wait until your next appointment to get more elastics as it could delay treatment time.